Homobrassinolide on Growth, Minerals and Vitamins of Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) Rhizome

The application of homobrassinolide on the growth, mineral content and vitamin content of Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) rhizome grown in Nizamabad, Telangana State, India was studied. Homobrassinolide application as foliar spray to turmeric on the 20th, 40th and 60th day from sowing resulted in enhanced growth of turmeric rhizome in terms of fresh and dry weights. The promotion of growth was associated with increased levels of minerals in terms of calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) of turmeric rhizome. Further, the contents of Vitamin B fractions [Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B2), and Riboflavin (Vitamin B3)] and Vitamin C/Ascorbic Acid of the turmeric rhizome were also found enhanced indicating the ability of homobrassinolide in positively monitoring nutrient value in turmeric rhizome.